41st Street Project — Privacy, Flow, and Entertaining in a Small Urban Backyard
Small backyards don’t need to feel small—they need to be intentional.
The 41st Street Project, located in Sacramento, was all about transforming a compact urban yard into a private, welcoming space built for entertaining. The homeowners wanted two things above all else: privacy from neighboring properties and a layout that could comfortably host friends and family.
With limited square footage, every element had to do real work. Instead of filling the yard with features, we focused on structure, circulation, and layered materials to create definition without clutter.
The result is a backyard that feels enclosed and calm—yet open enough to entertain with ease.
Design Challenge: Urban Scale, Big Function
At the heart of the yard is a fire pit gathering area, anchoring the space and encouraging year-round use. It’s paired with a combination of:
Flagstone paving for texture and warmth
Stamped concrete patio areas for durability and clean transitions
This mix of materials adds visual interest while keeping the footprint efficient and easy to maintain.
A Space Built for Gathering
To tie the yard together, we installed poured-in-place concrete stepstones, guiding movement through the space without interrupting the patio flow. These stepstones soften the geometry of the hardscape and make the yard feel curated rather than crowded.
Thoughtful Circulation Underfoot
A Backyard That Lives Bigger Than It Is
The 41st Street Project shows what’s possible when design is intentional. Through privacy, material contrast, and smart layout, a small backyard became a true entertaining space—one that feels personal, protected, and inviting.
Creating Privacy Without Feeling Closed In
To address neighboring sightlines, we designed and installed:
A custom gated entrance that creates a clear transition into the space
An 8-foot-high privacy fence, enclosing the yard and immediately changing how the space feels
The fencing acts as a backdrop rather than a barrier, giving the yard a sense of room and separation from the surrounding homes.